Chapter 72

  But Little Phoenix Maiden was still quite worried.

  In this era where imperial power surpasses everything, laws are sometimes just a mere decoration.

  How can Zhao Qiutang, who holds the precious purple gold hammer bestowed by the emperor, be prevented from committing more sins and murders?

  If Zhao Qiujie still has room for forgiveness, then Zhao Qiutang is truly dead without any regrets. He's dead and that's it. Lu Xiaofeng doesn't think there's anything worth pitying or regretting about him, but before he dies, he will continue to harm the common people.

  But she was at a loss as to what to do about it.

  Lu Xiaofeng was really furious!

  Little Phoenix returned to the government inn with a belly full of anger and as soon as she entered her own room, she saw that blue-shirted man.

  "Zhan is a grown-up!" Xiao He was surprised, with an expression much more obvious than that on her mistress's face.

  Lu Xiaofeng's face and eyes also showed a smile, but it was not so obvious, she was still reserved.

  Xiaohe took a look at the two people, understood the situation and said: "I'll go make tea." Then she retreated and closed the door behind her.

  "You're here." The case of the Purple Gold Mallet was originally handled by idols, and Xue Xiaomao's arrival could be said to be completely within expectations, only coming very quickly.

  But then he thought again, from the canal down to Yuhang and back, plus the speed of the imperial cat, such a speed was also reasonable, Lu Xiaofeng was relieved.

  Zhan Zhao walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her, "Are you okay?"

  "Alright."

  "Why did you end up directly confronting those two young masters in such a reckless manner?"

  "Have you seen him?"

  "Uh-huh."

  "Why don't you show up?"

  "This time I am making a secret visit, and this matter has not yet been authorized by the Emperor, so it is not suitable to intervene directly."

  Lu Xiaofeng understood his idol's concerns, people in the officialdom sometimes have to be considerate of certain things, Bao Zheng was impartial and just, but his maintenance of imperial power and loyalty were limited by history, couldn't be changed.

  "Has Prime Minister Wang already received Chen Qian's letter?"

  "I received it, but the two young princes of Jingyuan Wangfu have the identity of imperial envoys, which was jointly recommended by Chancellor and Taishi as guarantors, so..."

  What a nuisance! Her family's uncle is really something, always interfering in things that are none of his business, and for no reason at all, he has to stir up trouble.

  Huh, no way.

  Lu Xiaofeng looked at the cat with suspicion, "Since you are on a secret mission, why would you come to the government inn?"

  Zhan Zhao smiled, "Because I said I was a Taishi Sect disciple who came to protect Miss Pang as her guard."

  "Do you believe whatever they say?"

  "This."

  Lu Xiaofeng blinked again and again, but the waist card of the Taishi Mansion in front of him was still real, "You actually——"

  Zhan Zhao coughed unnaturally and put away the token, "As long as you, Miss Pang, don't expose this, there won't be any problem."

  "Have you met those two young princes before?" Little Phoenix Maiden still had doubts, she remembered that they had met before.

  "Uh-huh, I've had enough."

  "This is ridiculous, it's a big deal if they notice you're different."

  "I will try to avoid running into them."

  "Alright then." With Xiao Mao's agility, it shouldn't be too difficult to avoid running into those two young masters. She could still be trusted.

  "However, 'Zhan Zhao, accompany me to a place for a while.'"

  "Good."

  "Why didn't you ask where we're going? What are we doing?"

  "I believe in you." I believe that at this time, you won't do something unrelated and harmless. I believe that like adults, you have a heart that loves the people like children. So even if you use your charm to deal with other men, I can understand.

  "Wait while I change clothes."

  Change clothes?

  Then Zhan Zhao watched as Lu Xiao Feng changed into a man's outfit in front of him, transforming into a handsome young gentleman.

  Lu Xiaofeng pulled him and said, "Come on, Zhan Zhao."

  Zhan Zhao smiled and followed her out.

  Xiaohe wisely did not follow, because she believed that Master Zhang would never let Miss get into trouble. Moreover, now that Miss has made it clear that she wants to go and take care of something, Xiaohe is afraid that even if she went along, she wouldn't be able to help much. Otherwise, Miss would have asked her to come along.

  Lu Xiaofeng inquired about Wang Laoshi's home and then led Zhan Zhao there.

  Wang Lao Shi was severely injured by Zhao Qiu Jie, and if he didn't receive timely medical treatment, the situation might be dire. In her impression, Wang Lao Shi seemed to have died, but she couldn't quite recall why. Now it's a matter of whether anything can be salvaged.

  Wang Suzhen opened the door to see a familiar face, then she thought carefully and knew that the girl in front of her was the one from yesterday's public trial.

  "What brings you here?" The girl seemed to be an old acquaintance of the imperial envoy, and they appeared to be quite close, which made Wang Suzhen unable to have a good impression of her.

  "Help Old Man Wang take a look at his wound." Lu Xiao Feng directly ignored her unfriendliness and stated the purpose of his visit.

  "My father doesn't need your hypocritical sympathy."

  "Princess Wang, you're not right about this. Whoever comes today to help your father, as long as they can treat him, you should let them try. You know that as long as he's alive, there's still hope, don't you?"

  "You and that eunuch Xiao Wangye are in cahoots, how can you be so kind?" Wang Subao snorted.

  "I'm not that kind-hearted," Little Phoenix Maiden admitted, "If I didn't help your father treat his injuries, who would go to the Kaifeng Prefecture to report? No one would report, how could the Emperor let Lord Bao come, and if Lord Bao didn't come, who else could cure Zhao Xiaowang's wound inflicted by the imperial seal-imbued Purple Gold Mallet?"

  Wang Suzhen was taken aback for a moment.

  "Zhen'er." Wang Laoshi struggled to come out from the inner room, leaning against the wall and looking at Lu Xiao Feng and others standing at the door, saying, "Please let them in."

  "Yes, Father."

  Lu Xiaofeng and his companion entered the house and exchanged a simple greeting with Wang Laoshi.

  "The girl thinks I'm going to Beijing to file a complaint?"

  "It is true that Zhao Qiutang's actions in Shezhou are such that if they cannot reach the imperial court, then no one will come to investigate. And even if someone does come, their authority may not be enough to suppress the power of the Yu Cixi and the Jing Shan Wang Fu."

  Wang Laishi looked at Zhan Zhao.

  Zhan Zhao said: "I am Zhan Zhao, the governor of Kaifeng Prefecture. I have been sent by Lord Bao to secretly investigate the disaster relief efforts. This young lady is Feng, the imperial envoy who has the power to review all cases of imprisonment and punishment on her own authority. You can trust us."

  "Are you an official?"

  Wang Lao Shi and his daughter exclaimed in unison with an incredulous question.

  "Yes." Lu Xiaofeng smiled, "Unfortunately, I only have the authority to propose some matters of punishment and imprisonment, which is not comparable to the imperial decree held by young masters like them. Therefore, I am not in a position to confront them head-on, but can only maneuver around them."

  Wang Lao Shi finally understood the situation in the hall yesterday and couldn't help but say sincerely to her: "Thank you."

  "Now can you let me help you treat your injuries?"

  "I've troubled you."

  "There's no need for such politeness, Elder Wang." Lu Xiaofeng said as he reached out to help Wang Lao Shi take his pulse.

  After carefully feeling the pulse, Lu Xiaofeng thought for a moment and already had a diagnosis.

  "Zhan Zhao, help Wang Laozhang to work out the stagnant blood in his chest and abdomen. I'll write another prescription, and let Wang Niang prepare the medicine according to it."

  "Okay."

  Zhan Zhao helped Wang Laishi enter the inner chamber and perform a maneuver to force out the stagnant blood.

  Lu Xiaofeng sat in the outer room, and Wang Suqin also stayed behind to keep her company.

  Before long, there was a commotion in the courtyard.

  Lu Xiaofeng had some doubts.

  Wang Suzhen's face lit up with joy, "It's my brother who has returned." She said as she went to open the door.

  The person entering the yard was indeed Wang Kun, the elder brother of Wang Suzhen. However, his complexion wasn't very good. He put down the bundle of firewood on his shoulder and said, "Nowadays, even mountain herbs are hard to find. I had planned to hunt some game to add food for the family, but after waiting bitterly for half a day, there was no result, so I can only return like this."

  "Brother, don't worry, it will pass eventually."

  "How could you let an outsider into our house so casually?" Wang Kun frowned upon seeing Lu Xiaofeng sitting inside.

  "This is a young lady who has come to help her father recover from his illness."

  "Even if we came to see a doctor, where would we get so much silver to pay for the medical expenses?"

  Wang Suzhen looked at Lu Xiaofeng.

  Lu Xiaofeng said, "I naturally don't want any medical fees." She not only didn't charge for the diagnosis but also provided free medicine and silver. All of this was just to make Wang Lao Shi have that kind of fearless and pioneering spirit.

  Daring to sue the emperor is not something anyone can do!

  While they were talking, Zhan Zhao had already helped Wang Laoshi clear out the stagnant blood in his abdomen and walked out of the inner room.

  Wang Kun was shocked again.

  "This is Zhang Dafu of Kaifeng Prefecture, who came with this young lady. Just now he was inside helping Father clear the stagnant blood in his body." Wang Suzhen hastily explained on the side.

  "Thank you, Mr. Zhan."

  "It's unnecessary." After saying that, Zhan Zhao went to see Lu Xiaofeng, "The Wang family doesn't have any writing tools, how can you write a prescription?"

  Lu Xiaofeng smiled and took out a flat, covered inkstone from a larger pouch at his waist, followed by a fine writing brush made of sheep's hair.

  Zhan Zhao couldn't help but laugh, "This pouch of yours is like a treasure trove."

  "You can call it a treasure trove, I have no opinion." Lu Xiaofeng arranged the items on the table and said: "Wang Niang, would you please get some clean water, there should be some paper at home too, don't worry about the quality, as long as it's writable."

  Zhan Zhao couldn't help but tease her and said: "Why isn't there any toilet paper in this treasure bag?"

  Little Phoenix Maiden retorted directly: "Pull down a few feet of your undergarment lining and I'll write on it."

  Zhan Zhao smiled and shook his head, truly a mouth that wouldn't take a loss.

  Before long, Wang Suzhen fetched some clear water and Zhang Zhao helped Xiaofeng grind it.

  "Oh dear, having the Imperial Guard of the Fourth Rank with swords assist a humble girl like me is truly an honor."

  "Write quickly." Zhan Zhao said with a hint of pampering.

  Lu Xiaofeng smiled slightly and began writing with his brush.

  Wang Suzhen looked at this easy-going and elegant girl, who was laughing and scolding one moment and suddenly turned gentle and dignified the next. A stroke of neat and clean handwriting slowly appeared on the coarse hemp paper, evoking a feeling of admiration.

  She took the last stroke, blew dry the ink marks, and Lu Xiaofeng handed the prescription to Wang Suzhen, saying: "Miss, you can buy medicine according to this prescription." As she spoke, she also took out a small piece of white silver from the eight-treasure bag made of golden silk and silver thread and handed it over. "Take this silver to buy medicine, if there is any leftover, buy some clean food for home use."

  "Thank you, miss."

  "You're welcome."

  Zhan Zhao's expression suddenly changed, and he said in a low voice: "Someone is coming." There are at least six or seven people coming.

  "You go and avoid for a while, I'll handle it."

  Zhan Zhao nodded and slipped into the inner room, pulling Wang Kun in with him.

  Only Wang Suzhen and Lu Xiaofeng were left among the outsiders.

  From the open door of the house, it was clear who had entered the small courtyard - Zhao Qiujie!

  "Master Wang, have you come all the way to apologize and offer compensation?" Lu Xiaofeng asked with a hint of a smile as he gazed at the brocade box in the hand of the Wang estate's steward who accompanied him.

  Zhao Fu, the general manager of Jingyuan Wangfu, looked a bit embarrassed.

  Zhao Qiujie felt a little uneasy as soon as he saw this Miss Pang, and he couldn't explain why, it was just an instinctive reaction.

  Upon hearing her say that, he hastily nodded his head, "Yes, yes, I specifically came to apologize and make amends with Old Man Wang."

  The manager of the Jingyuan royal mansion took a deep breath, this Pang young lady didn't make the young master nervous, but he was also somewhat nervous, always feeling like he had a guilty conscience when she looked at him with those seemingly smiling yet not quite smiling eyes.

  It has to be said that the master and servant of Jing Shan Wang Fu have an unprecedented unified understanding in this matter.

  "I wonder what gifts Little Prince Wang has brought?"

  Zhao Qiujie took the brocade box from Zhao Fu's hand and placed it on the table, smiling apologetically: "There is a ginseng plant, as well as some pearls and silver."

  Lu Xiaofeng said: "It seems that young master Wang's sincerity is quite sufficient."

  "That's it." Zhao Qiujie felt like the sweat on his forehead was about to drip down, this is going to be the death of him!

  Lu Xiaofeng took the brocade box and handed it to Wang Suzhen, saying: "Since Young Master Wang is so sincere in his apology, Miss Wang might as well accept it, and put his mind at ease."

  Wang Suzhen knew at this time that the young master in front of her was a mute who couldn't express his bitterness, and she was also delighted. She rushed to pay her respects to him and said, "The commoner's daughter thanks the young master on behalf of my father."

  Zhao Qiujie looked at Lu Xiaofeng and said: "In that case, I've apologized, so I'll take my leave first."

  "Good." Lu Xiaofeng naturally wouldn't keep him.

  The steward of Jing Shan Wang Fu was the last to leave, and he bowed deeply to Lu Xiao Feng, "Thank you, Miss Pang."

  "Director Zhao, blind obedience is not the greatest loyalty. This autumn, young Master Wang still has a chance to be saved, don't mislead him."

  "The old slave understands." Zhao Fu bowed again before turning around and leaving.

  After confirming they had all left, Zhan Zhao and Wang Kun came out of the inner room.

  "Zhan Zhao, let's go too. I think they won't come again today." Lu Xiao Feng paused and then said to the Wang siblings, "You should also leave early, lest more trouble arises."

  "The woman understood."

  After bidding farewell to Wang's siblings, Lu Xiaofeng and Zhan Zhao also left.

  After walking for a while, Zhan Zhao couldn't help but laugh softly.

  "What are you laughing at?"

  "Xiao Feng, how did you manage to eat with Zhao Qiu Jie?"

  "Haven't you noticed? This kid is a bit afraid of me," she turned her head to look at him, "Do I look very serious? Or do I have a green face and fangs? He's actually afraid of me."

  "He has a guilty conscience, you are upright and honest, so when he met you, he naturally felt timid and fearful."

  "It's good to know what you're afraid of, isn't it?"

  "Yes."

  "You probably still have to go and secretly investigate to gather evidence of Qinchai's crime, right?"

  "Uh-huh."

  "I'll go back to the government office myself, you go ahead and take care of your business."

  "It doesn't matter, Zhang Long and Zhao Hu are also doing this."

  "Oh, so the three of you came together."

  "Yes."

  "Zhan Zhao," Lu Xiao Feng stopped in his tracks and looked at him seriously, "Don't worry about me, I'll always take care of my own safety because I know there's someone who will worry about me."

  Zhan Zhao Zheng nodded heavily, "I'll send you back to the government office first, and then I might not return again."

  Lu Xiaofeng nodded, indicating that he understood, and finally couldn't help but remind him again, "You should also be careful, the Zi Jin Golden Hammer is probably a bit sinister, you can't let your guard down."

  "I know."

  Lu Xiaofeng turned around and continued on his way.

  Zhan Zhao hesitated for a moment before softly calling out to her, "Xiao Feng."

  "Hmm?" Lu Xiaofeng's feet didn't stop, he just responded with a single sound.

  Zhan Zhao still didn't say anything in the end.

  Lu Xiaofeng let out a soft sigh in his heart. Although he didn't say anything, she understood him. He hoped she could stay, but she was still hesitant about the future of the two of them, getting married and having children... just thinking about it made her hesitant to take the step.

  What should I do?

  Looking at the little cat like this, she softened her heart again, what a nuisance...